MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has made firm representations to the Chinese Ambassador and the Chinese Embassy over what it described as the escalation of public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine legislators and other government officials.

In a statement, the DFA said the exchanges involved Philippine officials, including Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and other government officials.

“The Department has made firm representations to the Chinese Ambassador and the Chinese Embassy conveying serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine legislators,” the DFA said.

The DFA reiterated its support for Philippine officials in carrying out their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

“We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” it said.

The Department added that the views of Philippine officials, as well as opposing opinions, are part of the country’s democratic processes.

“Their views, as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society,” the DFA said.

At the same time, the DFA stressed the need for restraint and professionalism in public discourse, noting that this is not contrary to the national interest.

“While the Philippines values debate on our differences in national positions, the Department recognizes the need for sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere,” it said.

The DFA further said careful use of language and actions is necessary to ensure that public exchanges do not disrupt diplomatic efforts to manage tensions in the maritime domain.

“The Department believes that circumspection in language and actions are necessary so that the exchanges between the two sides, especially in the public domain, do not and will not unnecessarily derail the diplomatic space needed to manage the tensions in the maritime domain,” it said.

The DFA also underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation in non-sensitive areas, including the establishment of formal communication channels between the two coast guards, scientific cooperation on ocean meteorology, and efforts to reinvigorate trade and investment ties, agriculture cooperation, and people-to-people interaction.